Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth often develop during the late teenage years or early twenties, but they don't always have enough room to erupt. When a wisdom tooth becomes trapped beneath the gums or jawbone, it is considered impacted.
At R. Anthony Murray, DDS, PA, we use advanced 3D imaging and a comprehensive examination to evaluate the position of impacted wisdom teeth and determine whether removal is recommended.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?
Several factors can contribute to impacted wisdom teeth, including:
Limited Space in the Jaw
The most common reason wisdom teeth become impacted is a lack of space. Modern jaws are often too small to accommodate a third set of molars, preventing them from erupting normally.
Improper Eruption Angle
Some wisdom teeth develop at an angle rather than growing straight upward. They may lean toward neighboring teeth, away from them, or remain positioned horizontally within the jawbone.
Obstruction by Bone or Nearby Teeth
A wisdom tooth may become trapped because it is blocked by surrounding bone, gum tissue, or the second molar.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Impactions
Soft Tissue Impaction
The crown of the tooth has erupted through the jawbone but remains partially covered by gum tissue, making it more susceptible to irritation and infection.
Partial Bony Impaction
Part of the tooth remains trapped beneath the jawbone while the remainder has partially erupted into the mouth.
Complete Bony Impaction
The tooth remains completely enclosed within the jawbone and is unable to erupt without surgical treatment.
How Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Treatment begins with a thorough examination and detailed 3D imaging to determine the exact position of each wisdom tooth and its relationship to nearby nerves, bone, and surrounding teeth.
During the procedure, Dr. Murray creates access to the impacted tooth through the gum tissue. In many cases, the tooth is divided into smaller sections so it can be removed with minimal disruption to the surrounding bone.
After the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned, and the gum tissue is repositioned and secured with sutures when appropriate.
Are Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extractions Painful?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure itself because the treatment area is completely numbed before surgery begins. Sedation is also available for patients who feel anxious or are having multiple wisdom teeth removed.
Some swelling, soreness, and stiffness are normal during the first few days of recovery, but these symptoms can usually be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications, cold compresses, and careful adherence to your postoperative instructions.
